Darwin Falls should not be part of Death Valley National Park. In fact, the year-round waterfall does not belong in the California desert at all. The hike starts as innocently as so many nearby trails, at the mouth of a gravel-bottom canyon, but after 0.7 miles the canyon closes and the trail enters a lush oasis of cottonwoods and willows. The next 0.3 miles involve multiple creek crossings en route to a 20-foot waterfalls. That’s right, creek crossings … in the desert! Then there’s the waterfall, which looks like it was transported from the tropics. This 2-mile round trip hike simply has no place Death Valley.

Follow the gravel track up the center of the canyon on a gradual ascent. The shrubbery increases as the canyon narrows and curves to the right, bringing the oasis into view.

The oasis at the back of the canyon

Continue up the trail through trees so green they look like a mirage. A stream of trickling water adds fun obstacles to the hike, and there is real danger of ending up with a wet boot (on a hike in Death Valley!) Make your way over the rocks and balancing logs to the waterfall at the back of the canyon.

This place really is like nowhere else in Death Valley. Birds chirp overhead, while colorful dragonflies dance along the trail, and frogs flop around the cool pools. Indeed, Darwin Falls is as unique as it is beautiful. An alluring little swimming hole at the base of the falls compels hikers to take a refreshing dip. Because of overhanging trees, the only way to get a full view of the falls is to wade in, so plan accordingly. The fresh cold water feels great after a day of hiking in the desert.

Darwin Falls

With its plentiful shade, Darwin Falls makes a great picnic hike. Those wishing to adventure further may climb up the canyon to the left of the falls to an upper series of falls and grottos.

Darwin Falls is located on the west side of Death Valley National Park, and was actually on BLM Land until Death Valley expanded in 1994. Darwin Falls is far from other attractions and receives fewer visitors. If you are passing through Panamint Springs, do not miss this delightful 2-mile hike.

Darwin Falls

To get to the trailhead: Take Route 190 to the west side of Death Valley. One mile west of Panamint Springs Resort, turn left on an unmarked gravel road (the first road west of the resort). Take the rough but passable dirt road for 2.5 miles and turn right into the trailhead parking lot. A pipe running along the side of the canyon, which transports water from the spring that feeds Darwin Falls to the Panamint Springs Resort, serves as an indicator that you are correctly headed to the falls.

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